Touch for Health

Touch for Health is the foundation of every kinesiology discipline and was developed in the early 1960s by George Goodheart, a chiropractor, from the fields of chiropractic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

In the course of his research, he found that a tense muscle could only be relaxed if he strengthened the weak opposing muscle. He then noticed that a specific muscle repeatedly tested weak when the patient had stomach problems. In his search for various strengthening techniques, he came into contact with TCM and discovered that one of the 14 meridians (energy pathways) with their acupuncture points was called the stomach meridian.

When he now stroked this meridian in the direction of its course, the corresponding weak muscle was strengthened, and the patient’s stomach problems improved. This was the brilliant synthesis of Western and Eastern medicine.

Together with his colleagues, he found other isolated muscles that corresponded with the remaining meridians. This system, along with the various correction techniques, was summarized by his colleague John F. Thie in the book “Touch for Health” and presented in a way that even laypeople can do something for their health prevention.

Testing the muscles provides information about the body’s energy state. If a muscle tests weak, it can be strengthened through the following measures:

• Stimulation of neurolymphatic points (to stimulate the lymphatic system)
• Stimulation of neurovascular points (to stimulate blood circulation)
• Meridian massage